2 hours (exact timing depends on that day's training schedule, sometimes lasting up to 3 hours or finishing slightly before 2 hours)
Offered in Japanese, with friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in your language
A minimum of 2 guests is required to book. Solo participants are welcome but will be charged the 2-person rate
Meet the Masters
What you’ll do
Observe sumo wrestlers in an authentic sumo morning training, held in their training dojo. Learn about the rules and culture of sumo from your guide as you witness this athletic tradition. After the training session, there may even be a chance to take a photo with a sumo wrestler.
Who can attend
Children must be 11+
Availability
Since this is an authentic sumo training, the duration of the morning practice can fluctuate based on the needs of the wrestlers and their tournament schedule.
While typically held from 8:00AM to 10:00AM, sessions may start at either 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM and can end between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM. The confirmed session time will be provided along with the itinerary once it is confirmed.
On occasion, there may be days when practice ends early, and if we are aware of this in advance, we will promptly inform you.
Grand Tournament Schedule
During the Grand Tournament months (January, March, May, July, September, November), most sumo stables do not allow training observations as to not disturb the wrestlers or due the wrestlers simply not being in Tokyo (tournaments also take place in Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka).
If no training observation is available during the above periods, we will instead offer you an authentic demonstration by retired sumo wrestlers at no additional cost.
The rules for such a demonstration are less strict than for the usual training, allowing you to also interact with the wrestlers and ask them questions.
Session 1 (08:00 - 10:00)
What else you should know
Sumo wrestlers are working, professional athletes whose first priority is training, and all guest behavior should ensure that the wrestler’s can properly concentrate on their profession. Therefore, guests are kindly instructed to respect the space and listen attentively to the instructions provided by both the interpreter guide and sumo stable host.
Please note that if you need to leave the room for any reason, you will not be able to re-enter. If you must leave the room, please do so only between matches or when the floor is being swept, and in a quiet manner so as not to disturb the wrestlers.
Stable Rules:
You will be seated on the floor on a cushion.
Eating and drinking (including chewing gum) is not allowed.
Cell phones must be set to silent mode. When you take photos, please do so from your seat, without flash and shutter sounds.
Please do not wear sunglasses or hats.
Depending on the stable, taking videos are not allowed and any uploading of videos onto the internet will be strictly prohibited.
Please refrain from any behavior (talking, noises, movement) that may disturb the wrestler’s focus during training.
While rare, training sessions may be canceled on short notice by the sumo stable.
In such an event, you will be notified immediately and will receive a full refund or be offered an alternate experience, at no additional cost.
Access
30 ~ 50 minutes from Tokyo Station
Wrestling Warriors
Inside the center of the sacred ring, two titans clash. In a gripping performance, they slam, tackle, push, and pull their opponent, engaging in both an athletic art and a religious ritual that has extended unbroken for over a thousand years. An undeniable emblem of Japan, sumo wrestling remains iconic with its towering fighters clad only in a mawashi loincloth and hair affixed to the top of the head in a hearkening call to samurai times. Yet far from a mythic practice of ages past, sumo wrestling remains a relevant pinnacle of contemporary Japanese culture, with champion fighters featured in magazines and television programs, and thousands flocking to the tournaments to witness the action in person. Sumo wrestlers train nearly every day, undergoing grueling morning sessions and bulking up on protein-filled chanko nabe, all in aims of reaching the coveted top rankings. Sitting ring-side, witness these professional athletes up close, in an authentic sumo morning training held in one of Tokyo's sumo stables for a hidden glimpse of how these fierce fighters bring ancient heritage to everyday practice.
Cancellation Policy
Please make your booking at least 7 days in advance. See our cancellation policy here.
A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.
